The Hiker - Memphis TN - Smithsonian Art Inventory Sculptures on Waymarking.com

This statue is one of approximately 50 copies of the original work by Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson (and cast by the Roman Bronze Works of New York) which was unveiled at the University of Minnesota on Memorial Day in 1906.

Kitson choose the name because American soldiers in the Spanish-American War referred to themselves as hikers.

This was a very popular statue primarily due to the accuracy of the rendition and to the rugged, but pleasing appearance of the figure. The Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island, bought the rights to The Hiker and produced over 50 copies that have been erected all across the United States.

The Hiker depicts a soldier in a typical uniform of shirt rolled up to the elbows, pants, boots and brimmed 'campaign' hat. He is holding a rifle horizontally in front of his hips. He is wearing a cartridge belt around his waist and straps across his upper chest support a canteen near his right hip and a knapsack near his left hip.

This Hiker is on a rough granite base with two plaques on the front.
The smaller rectangular plaque has:
The Hiker
Typifying the American Volunteer who fought Spain in Cuba, the Philippines and Boxer Rebellion. Erected in 1956 with funds raised by Spanish war veterans of Memphis under the leadership of Fred Bauer, Commander.

The larger cross shaped plaque has: Cuba, Philippine Islands, Porto-Rico and U.S.A. on each arm of the cross and Spanish War Veterans 1898-1902 on the circular center of the cross.

TITLE: The Hiker ARTIST(S): Kitson, Theo Alice Ruggles, 1871-1932, sculptor. Gorham Manufacturing Company, founder. DATE: Installed 1956 MEDIUM: Bronze on granite base. CONTROL NUMBER: IAS TN000048 Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link] PHYSICAL LOCATION: Spanish-American War Memorial Park‎ southwest corner of Central Avenue and East Parkway South Memphis, TN DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH: He also a canteen near his right hip.

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